Guide to growing Gloriosa lily

Members of the Gloriosa genus are half hardy perennials that are usually treated as a half hardy annual when grown in the garden.

Gloriosa are climbers that may reach from 1.2 metres to 1.8 metres in height.

Some common names for Gloriosa include Gloriosa Lily, Glory Lily and Climbing Lily.

They have attractive leaves and bloom in the summer, when they carry flowers similar to those of lilies; these may be crimson red or yellow, and are very beautiful.

How to grow Gloriosa lilies

Gloriosa lilies can be grown from tubers or seeds; if growing from seeds it is best to start them off indoors. The tubers should be planted at a depth of 5cm and a spacing of 30cm in mid spring, well after a chance of a frost.

If growing Gloriosa lilies from seed first soak overnight in warm water, then sow the seed in peat pots and lightly cover; this should be done in late January or February. It should take about a month for Gloriosa seeds to germinate at a temperature of 21 to 25 degrees centigrade.

Once established transplant the Gloriosa seedlings outdoors in mid spring. The Gloriosa lilies should be located in a sunny area and provided with a trellis or similar structure to grow upon. Ideally the soil that they grow in will be humus rich.

Caring for Gloriosa lily

Gloriosa species such as climbing lily and Gloriosa lily are climbers so require a trellis for support. They are quite hungry and thirsty so provide a liquid fertilizer and water regularly when they are growing. Once Gloriosa have finished blooming water less frequently. If you require more Gloriosa then propagate by dividing their tubers in mid spring.